Fishing Law Enforcement

Frederick's eyes shifted from side to side twice, and Maria knew he was up to something.

A moment later, Frederick instructed the owner, who was standing respectfully nearby, "These pastries are very interesting. Please bring me another plate, freshly baked."

"Remember, don't add anything. Keep them in their most original form."

"Also, bring me some high-quality sweet cream—the kind whipped just right, with an exceptionally smooth, delicate texture. Several flavors would be best."

"You," he said, turning to the servants beside him, "go find a clean, small syringe, the kind doctors use to clean deep wounds."

Maria looked at her husband expectantly. Her intelligent eyes were full of curiosity as she waited to see what delicious new pastry he would come up with this time.

The owner and the servants were just as curious, but they immediately answered respectfully and hurried to carry out his orders.

Soon, a plate of hollow pastry puffs, still steaming and rich with the buttery, floury aroma of freshly baked goods; a bowl of sweet cream, whipped snowy white and fluffy as fresh snow, its texture smooth as silk; and a metal syringe that had clearly been carefully sterilized were placed on the table before Frederick.

Under everyone's curious, inquisitive gaze, Frederick began.

He picked up the syringe, dipped it steadily into the delicate bowl of cream, and slowly drew it full of the snowy-white sweetness.

Then he chose the roundest-looking puff, gently steadied it with his fingers, and carefully inserted the syringe's slender needle into the least noticeable spot on its base. With a steady, gentle push of the plunger, he slowly injected the cold, silky cream inside.

He worked with meticulous care, his expression as focused as if he were conducting a precise and important experiment rather than simply fiddling with a pastry.